Cost of Living: Amarillo, TX vs Salem, OR (2026)

Amarillo

Texas
69
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Amarillo is 34% cheaper than Salem.

$1,049/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↑ 26%
$62,469/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↑ 15%
$186,800 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$382,400 ↑ 105%
$1,074/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↑ 34%
200,945
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Amarillo, TX and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $274/month cheaper in Amarillo, saving renters about $3,288/year.

Median household income is $9,431/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Amarillo is $186,800 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Amarillo residents a significant tax advantage over Oregon's 9.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Amarillo vs Salem — common questions

Is Amarillo or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Amarillo is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Amarillo and Salem?
Median rent in Amarillo is $1,049/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $274/month.
Which city has higher income, Amarillo or Salem?
Median household income is $62,469 in Amarillo and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $9,431/year higher in Salem.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Oregon?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Amarillo or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Amarillo has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $1,049/mo, while Salem has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,323/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Amarillo details → View Salem details →

More Comparisons

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